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Unemployment Benefits

  1. If I am laid off, am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
    • Eligibility is determined by California Employment Development Department (EDD). 
    • Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides individuals with an income when they are out of work through no fault of their own. 
    • You may be eligible to receive UI benefits if you are out of work or your hours are reduced and you are: 
      • Physically able to work. 
      • Actively seeking work. 
      • Ready to accept work.
  2. How much money will I receive?

    Your weekly benefit, and the total amount of your claim, are both based on the amount you earned in the Base Period of your claim. Your Base Period is a 12-month period of time. You may receive a minimum of $40 to a maximum of $450 a week. There is a potential that you may receive an additional $25.00 per week due to the Federal Stimulus Package. For the most current available information about UI Benefits, please visit the California Employment Development Department (EDD) website.

  3. How long can I collect unemployment benefits?

    The Maximum Benefit Amount is 26 times the Weekly Benefit Amount or one-half of the total Base Period wages, whichever is less. There is a potential you may qualify for an extension from the Federal Stimulus Package. For the most current available information regarding this topic, please visit the California Employment Development Department (EDD) website.

  4. Is there a waiting period?

    All claims have a one-week, unpaid waiting period. The first week after you file your claim is normally the waiting period and benefits cannot be paid for that week.

  5. When do I file a claim?

    You should apply for benefits as soon as you are unemployed or your hours are reduced. Your claim cannot begin until you file for benefits.

  6. When will I receive my first check?

    The first payment on a new California claim will usually be issued within three weeks after filing.

  7. How often after that will I receive checks?

    You will normally be paid by mail every two weeks.

  8. Where do I go to file a claim?

    A. Online. Access eApply4UI website

    B. Telephone. File by contacting a customer service representative at one of the toll-free numbers listed below:

    EDD Telephone Numbers: 

    • English 1-800-300-5616 
    • Mandarin 1-866-303-0706
    • Spanish 1-800-326-8937 
    • Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058 
    • Cantonese 1-800-547-3506 
    • TTY (Non-voice) 1-800-815-9387

    C . Mail or Fax. File by mailing or faxing a UI Application, by accessing the paper application online at California Employment Development Department (EDD) website.

  9. Where can I go to locate the most current information on unemployment insurance?

    Go directly to the California Employment Development Department (EDD) website. The News and Announcement section should contain the most up-to-date information on any changes made to the unemployment insurance program.

  10. When filing a UI application, what name and address should I use for my last employer?

    Please use the following address (not your previous worksite address). It may assist in expediting your UI application.

    County of Sacramento
    700 H Street, Room 5720
    Sacramento, CA 95814


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